User interface for handwriting inputs

ABSTRACT

A method, medium, device, and user interface are provided for receiving a handwriting input and for presenting prediction candidates based on the handwriting input. A pen down event is detected in a writing panel of a user interface. The writing panel is expanded to overlie function keys and a candidate window of the user interface such that those features are made inaccessible for inadvertent selections thereof. Upon detection of a pen up event the writing panel is decreased in size to again reveal the features. Recognition candidates are identified based on the handwriting input. Prediction candidates are also identified based on a highest ranking recognition candidate and are presented in combination with the highest ranking recognition candidate. Prediction candidates are thereby identifiable with the recognition candidate with which they are associated and selection of a prediction candidate and recognition candidate may be performed in single selection input.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to PCT Application No.PCT/CN2011/074387, filed May 20, 2011 the disclosure of which is herebyincorporated herein in its entirety by reference.

SUMMARY

Embodiments of the invention are defined by the claims below, not thissummary. A high-level overview of various aspects of the invention areprovided here for that reason, to provide an overview of the disclosure,and to introduce a selection of concepts that are further describedbelow in the detailed-description section below. This summary is notintended to identify key features or essential features of the claimedsubject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in isolation todetermine the scope of the claimed subject matter. In brief and at ahigh level, this disclosure describes, among other things, ways toprovide a user interface for receiving handwriting inputs forconstructing a text string.

In an embodiment, methods, devices, and user interfaces are providedthat include a writing panel and one or more function keys. The writingpanel occupies a first area of the user interface. When an input isdetected within the writing panel its size is increased to a second arealarger than the first area. The second area overlies or is superimposedover the one or more function keys to make them inaccessible duringreceipt of the handwriting input. Thus, inadvertent or unwantedselections of the one or more function keys during handwriting input areeliminated and a user is provided with an increased area in which toprovide handwriting inputs.

In another embodiment, methods, devices, and user interfaces areprovided for presenting recognition candidates and prediction candidatesfor a received handwriting input. Upon receipt of a handwriting input arecognition candidate is determined via a recognition engine.Additionally, a plurality of prediction candidates are determined basedon the recognition candidate and using a lexicon of word groups orphrases and/or a word groups or phrases previously used by a user. Therecognition candidate is presented in a user interface singularly andwith a number of the prediction candidates as combination candidates.The combination candidates include the recognition candidate followed bya prediction candidate. Upon selection of the recognition candidate orone of the combination candidates, a number of second predictioncandidates are identified and presented.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Illustrative embodiments of the invention are described in detail belowwith reference to the attached drawing figures, and wherein:

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an exemplary computing device suitable foruse in embodiments of the invention;

FIG. 2 is a perspective drawing of a mobile device displaying a userinterface in accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 3 is drawing depicting a user interface in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 4 is drawing depicting a user interface in a recognition displaystate accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 5 is drawing depicting a user interface in a writing display statein accordance with an embodiment of the invention;

FIG. 6 is flow diagram depicting a method for altering a display statebased on an input type in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention;

FIG. 7 is drawing depicting a user interface in a recognition state anddisplaying recognition and combination candidates in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 8 is drawing depicting a user interface in a recognition displaystate displaying an expanded candidate window in accordance with anembodiment of the invention;

FIG. 9 is drawing depicting a user interface in a prediction displaystate accordance with an embodiment of the invention; and

FIG. 10 is flow diagram depicting a method for presenting predictioncandidates based on recognized handwriting input in accordance with anembodiment of the invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The subject matter of select embodiments of the invention is describedwith specificity herein to meet statutory requirements. But thedescription itself is not intended to necessarily limit the scope ofclaims. Rather, the claimed subject matter might be embodied in otherways to include different steps or combinations of steps similar to theones described in this document, in conjunction with other present orfuture technologies. Terms should not be interpreted as implying anyparticular order among or between various steps herein disclosed unlessand except when the order of individual steps is explicitly described.

Embodiments of the invention include methods, systems, computingdevices, computer-readable media, and user interfaces that increase theease by which a user provides handwriting inputs and constructs textstrings therefrom. As described herein, handwriting inputs, alsoreferred to as electronic ink or simply, ink, include any form ofhandwriting input available. The handwriting inputs include text,letters, words, symbols, drawings, or the like and are provided in anylanguage or form of writing available. Embodiments of the invention aredescribed herein with respect to Asian text or script, however such isnot intended to limit embodiments of the invention to any particularform of writing or text.

The handwriting inputs can be provided in any desired manner. Thehandwriting inputs might be received or provided to a computing devicevia a touch interface, a touch pad, a touch screen, an electronic pen, astylus, or any other handwriting input device. For example, in anembodiment, a capacitive touch interface is superimposed over a displaydevice to allow a user to provide handwriting inputs in visual relationto a displayed user interface. The handwriting inputs are provided usinga user's finger or via a stylus. In another embodiment, an electronicpen is employed that communicates with a computing device wirelessly orthrough a wired connection. The pen tracks the writing inputs of theuser with respect to a display screen, specially designed paper, orthrough motion sensor tracking, among other methods.

In an embodiment of the invention, computer-readable storage mediahaving computer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, whenexecuted, perform a method for altering a display state based on aninput type are described. A user interface configured to aid a user inconstructing a text string based on handwriting inputs is presented. Theuser interface includes a function key and a writing panel having afirst area. An initiation of a handwriting input in the writing panelhaving the first area is detected. The area of the writing panel isincreased to a second area larger than the first area. The writing panelhaving the second area overlies the function key so as to render thefunction key inaccessible. The handwriting input is received in thewriting panel having the second area.

In another embodiment, a user interface presented by a computing devicehaving a processor, a memory, and a handwriting input device isdescribed. The user interface includes a candidate window that isconfigured to present one or more of a recognition candidate and aprediction candidate. The recognition candidate is determined by arecognition engine executed by the processor and based on a receivedhandwriting input. The prediction candidate is determined based on therecognition candidate and one or more of an input history and a lexiconof phrases. An edit field that displays a text string that includes oneor more of the recognition candidate and the prediction candidate isalso included as are function keys configured to execute a respectivefunction when selected. The user interface also includes an input windowassociated with the handwriting input device and configured to toggle ahandwriting input panel for receipt of a handwriting input. The inputwindow has a first area and the handwriting input panel has a secondarea larger than the first area. The handwriting input panel overliesthe candidate window and the function keys.

In another embodiment, a mobile device configured to present a userinterface for receiving a handwriting input via a touch input device isdescribed. The mobile device includes a processor, a memory, and adisplay component with an associated touch input device, the displaycomponent being configured to present a user interface. The userinterface includes a candidate window that displays recognitioncandidates that are identified by a recognition engine executed by theprocessor and based on a handwriting input received via the touchinterface. The candidate window also displays a plurality of predictioncandidates. The user interface also includes an edit field that displaysthe first recognition candidate as determined text, one or more functionkeys configured to cause a respective function or command to beexecuted, and a dynamic input panel having a first area when the userinterface is in a recognition or prediction state and a second area thatis larger than the first area when the user interface is in a writingstate. The dynamic input panel overlies the candidate window and the oneor more function keys when in the writing state and having the secondarea.

In another embodiment, computer-readable storage media havingcomputer-executable instructions embodied thereon that, when executed,perform a method of presenting prediction candidates based on arecognized handwriting input are provided. A handwriting input isreceived from a handwriting input device coupled to a computing devicehaving a processor and a memory. A recognition engine is executed toindentify a recognition candidate based on the handwriting input. Aprediction candidate associated with the recognition candidate isdetermined. The recognition candidate and the prediction candidate arepresented, the recognition candidate being presented singularly and as acombination candidate that includes the recognition candidate followedby the prediction candidate.

In another embodiment, a user interface presented by a computing devicehaving a processor, a memory, and a handwriting input device isdescribed. The user interface includes an input window associated withthe handwriting input device and configured to one or more of receive ahandwriting input and toggle a handwriting input panel for receipt of ahandwriting input. A candidate window that includes a recognitiondisplay state and a prediction display state is also included. When inthe recognition display state, the candidate window presents one or morerecognition candidates and one or more combination candidates thatinclude a first recognition candidate from the one or more recognitioncandidates followed by a prediction candidate. The prediction candidateis determined based on the first recognition candidate and one or moreof a user's input history and a lexicon of phrases. In the predictiondisplay state the candidate window presents one or more secondprediction candidates associated with a selected one of the recognitioncandidates and combination candidates. An edit field that displays atext string that includes one or more of the recognition candidates, theprediction candidates, and second prediction candidates is alsoincluded.

In another embodiment, a mobile device configured to present a userinterface for presenting recognition and prediction candidatesassociated with a received handwriting input is disclosed. The mobiledevice includes a processor, a memory, and a display component with anassociated touch interface, the display component being configured topresent a user interface. The user interface includes a candidate windowthat displays recognition candidates that are identified by arecognition engine executed by the processor and based on a handwritinginput received via the touch interface. The candidate window alsodisplays a plurality of combination candidates that include a firstrecognition candidate of the plurality of recognition candidatesfollowed by a respective prediction candidate. One or more of therespective prediction candidates are determined base at least in part onphrases previously input to the mobile device. An edit field thatdisplays the first recognition candidate as determined text is alsoincluded.

Referring initially to FIG. 1 in particular, an exemplary operatingenvironment for implementing embodiments of the present invention isshown and designated generally as a computing device 100. The computingdevice 100 is but one example of a suitable computing environment and isnot intended to suggest any limitation as to the scope of use orfunctionality of invention embodiments. Neither should the computingdevice 100 be interpreted as having any dependency or requirementrelating to any one or combination of components illustrated.

Embodiments of the invention may be described in the general context ofcomputer code or machine-useable instructions, includingcomputer-executable instructions such as program modules, being executedby a computer or other machine, such as a mobile device, mobile phone,smart phone, a personal data assistant or other handheld device.Generally, program modules including routines, programs, objects,components, data structures, etc., refer to code that perform particulartasks or implement particular abstract data types. Embodiments of theinvention may be practiced in a variety of system configurations,including hand-held devices, consumer electronics, general-purposecomputers, more specialty computing devices, etc. Embodiments of theinvention may also be practiced in distributed computing environmentswhere tasks are performed by remote-processing devices that are linkedthrough a communications network.

With reference to FIG. 1, the computing device 100 includes a bus 110that directly or indirectly couples the following devices: a memory 112,one or more processors 114, one or more presentation components 116, oneor more input/output ports 118, one or more input/output components 120,and an illustrative power supply 122. The bus 110 represents what may beone or more busses (such as an address bus, data bus, or combinationthereof). Although the various blocks of FIG. 1 are shown with lines forthe sake of clarity, in reality, delineating various components is notso clear, and metaphorically, the lines would more accurately be greyand fuzzy. For example, one may consider a presentation component suchas a display device to be an I/O component. Also, processors havememory. It is recognized that such is the nature of the art, andreiterate that the diagram of FIG. 1 is merely illustrative of anexemplary computing device that can be used in connection with one ormore embodiments of the invention. Distinction is not made between suchcategories as “workstation,” “server,” “laptop,” “hand-held device,”etc., as all are contemplated within the scope of FIG. 1 and referenceto “computing device.”

Computing device 100 typically includes a variety of computer-readablemedia. By way of example, and not limitation, computer-readable mediamay comprise Random Access Memory (RAM); Read Only Memory (ROM);Electronically Erasable Programmable Read Only Memory (EEPROM); flashmemory or other memory technologies; compact disc read-only memory(CD-ROM), digital versatile disks (DVD) or other optical or holographicmedia; magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or othermagnetic storage devices or any other non-transitory computer-readablemedium that can be used to encode desired information and be accessed bycomputing device 100. Computer-readable media and computer-readablestorage media are not inclusive of carrier waves, signals, or otherforms of transitory media.

The memory 112 includes computer-storage media in the form of volatileand/or nonvolatile memory. The memory may be removable, nonremovable, ora combination thereof. Exemplary hardware devices include solid-statememory, hard drives, optical-disc drives, etc. The computing device 100includes one or more processors that read data from various entitiessuch as the memory 112 or I/O components 120. The presentationcomponent(s) 116 present data indications to a user or other device.Exemplary presentation components include a display device, a speaker, aprinting component, a vibrating component, etc.

The I/O ports 118 allow the computing device 100 to be logically coupledto other devices including the I/O components 120, some of which may bebuilt in. Illustrative components include a microphone, joystick, gamepad, satellite dish, scanner, printer, wireless device, etc.

With reference now to FIG. 2, embodiments of the invention are describedwith respect a mobile device 200, such as a smart phone. However, suchis in no way intended to limit embodiments of the invention to suchdevices. Embodiments of the invention might utilize any available mobiledevice, smart phone, personal digital assistant, touch interface, touchscreen, computing device, tablet computer, electronic pen, or the like.Further, handwriting inputs are described herein as being provided by auser using a finger to interact with a touch interface, however, thehandwriting input can be provided by any desired means including astylus or electronic pen among others.

The mobile device 200 includes a display device 202, a transparent touchinterface 204 overlying the display device 202, a number of command keys206, a communications port 208, and a hard key 210. The display device202 and touch interface 204 comprise any available technologies such as,for example and not limitation, color LED (light emitting diode)edge-lit displays and capacitive touch interfaces.

The command keys 206 provide access to functions of the mobile devicelike causing an application to be executed. The command keys 206 aresoft keys that are presented via the display device 202 and inputsthereto are received via the touch interface 204. Or the command keys206 might be hard keys that are mechanically actuated. The command keys206 may be assigned a single function or might have variable functionassignments based on a state of the mobile device 200. Similarly, thehard key 210 is a mechanically actuated button, switch, or other inputdevice that has a dedicated function.

The communications port 208 provides a wired coupling to a secondcomputing device and/or a power source. The coupling provides datacommunications between the mobile device 200 and a computing device asis known in the art.

The mobile device 200 also includes a user interface 212, as depicted inFIGS. 2-5. The user interface 212 is configured to receive handwritinginputs, such as a handwriting input 213, from a user and to aid the userin constructing a text string therefrom. The user interface 212 and thetext string constructed therefrom are useable by any applicationexecutable by the mobile device 200 for which a text input is desired.Such applications include, for example, and not limitation, applicationsfor text messaging or SMS (short message service) messaging, wordprocessing, email, and creation of presentations, spreadsheets,databases or the like.

The user interface 212 includes a number of display states. In anembodiment, the user interface 212 includes a writing display state 214(FIGS. 2, 3, and 5), a recognition display state 216 (FIGS. 4, 7, and8), and a prediction display state 218 (FIG. 9). The user interface 212assumes a given display state based on a state of user inputs. In anembodiment, the recognition display state 216 is a default display statethat is taken or assumed by the user interface 212 prior to receivinghandwriting inputs. Upon detection of initiation of a handwriting inputor a pen down event, the user interface 212 assumes the writing displaystate 214. The user interface 212 remains in the writing display state214 until the handwriting input ceases (e.g. a pen up event) or an inputis received outside the writing panel 218. In an embodiment, a time outis observed following the pen up event for a predetermined amount oftime. In an embodiment, the time out is less than one second or is 0.75seconds. In another embodiment, an input that causes another userinterface to become active such as an input to a command key 206 causesthe user interface 212 to leave the writing display state 214 and enterthe recognition display state 216.

The user interface 212 remains in the recognition display state 216until detecting a pen down event or until receiving a selection of arecognition candidate, combination candidate, or prediction candidate asdescribed below. Upon receipt of such a selection, the user interface212 enters the prediction display state 218. The user interface 212remains in the prediction display state 218 until detecting aninitiation of a handwriting input or receipt of an input that causesanother user interface to become active.

In the writing display state 214 (depicted in FIGS. 2, 3, and 5) theuser interface 212 includes a first writing panel 220 and may includeone or more additional features such as an edit field 222 and aconversation field 226 (e.g. when used with a text messagingapplication).

The first writing panel 220 provides or designates a region of the userinterface 212 in which a handwriting input is to be received. The firstwriting panel 220 has dimensions comprising a first area. In anembodiment, the first area is configured to provide a maximum areaavailable in the user interface 212 in which handwriting inputs can bereceived. In another embodiment, the first area is configured to providea maximized area of the user interface 212 that does not obscure one ormore select other displayed components such as the edit field 222 andthe conversation field 226.

The edit field 222 displays currently determined and committed text oris blank (FIGS. 2 and 3) or contains a default message (FIGS. 4 and 5)when no determined or committed text has yet been provided. Determinedtext comprises text that is suggested or that is identified by arecognition engine based on a handwriting input. In an embodiment,determined text must be confirmed by a user before becoming committedtext such as by the user selecting the text, providing an enter command,or the like. In an embodiment, determined text is indicated byunderlining as depicted at 228 in FIGS. 7 and 8 or by any other desiredmeans. Committed text is text that has been confirmed or affirmativelyselected by the user, as depicted at 230 in FIG. 9.

As depicted in FIGS. 4, 7, and 8, in the recognition display state 216the user interface 212 includes the edit field 222, the conversationfield 236, a second writing panel 232, a candidate window 234, and oneor more function keys 236. The second writing panel 232 comprises aregion of the user interface 212 having a second area that is smallerthan the first area of the first writing panel 220. The second writingpanel 232 does not overlie other components of the user interface 212and is configured to receive or detect a pen down event that toggles theuser interface 212 to assume the writing display state 214, as describedabove.

The candidate window 234 may be blank or empty prior to receiving ahandwriting input. Upon receiving a handwriting input, the candidatewindow 234 displays one or more recognition candidates 238 and one ormore combination candidates 240. The candidate window 234 displays anynumber of recognition candidates 238 and combination candidates 240 asspace allows. In an embodiment, the candidate window 234 displays fourrecognition candidates 238. In another embodiment, a toggle 246 isprovided that when selected causes an expanded-candidate-window 248 tobe displayed, as depicted in FIG. 8. The expanded-candidate window 248includes additional space in the user interface in which to display agreater number of recognition candidates 238, combination candidates240, and prediction candidates 244, as described below.

A recognition candidate 238 comprises a word, letter, symbol, script, orother text that is identified by a recognition engine based on ahandwriting input. The recognition engine uses any available algorithmsand data stores for correlating a handwriting input to a known text orrecognition candidate 238. The recognition engine may rank a number ofpotential recognition candidates 238 based on a correlation valuecalculated between the handwriting input and the recognition candidate238. In an embodiment, the recognition engine also ranks recognitioncandidates 238 based on a user's input history, frequency of use of therecognition candidate 238 by the user or by a population generally, orany other data for the recognition candidate 238.

In an embodiment, the user's input history is tracked by the recognitionengine and/or one or more other components. The user's input historyincludes only inputs to the user interface 212 or may include inputsmade across one or more additional user interfaces or applications onthe mobile device 200. The user's input history can be stored in amemory in the mobile device 200 or remotely in a separate storage unit.

One or more of the ranked recognition candidates 238 are displayed inthe candidate window 234 in order according to the ranking. In anembodiment, the recognition engine is executed by the mobile device 200or by a remote computing device, such as the computing device 100.

The combination candidates 240 comprise a first recognition candidate242 of the one or more recognition candidates 238 followed by aprediction candidate 244. Prediction candidates 244 comprise textidentified by the recognition engine as being associated with the firstrecognition candidate 242. The association is based on one or more of auser's input history, a lexicon or database of word groupings, phrases,and the like, or a dictionary, among other references. In an embodiment,the user's input history includes a measure of a frequency with whichthe user inputs or selects a word grouping or phrase. The user's inputhistory may also include a measure of a time the user last used a wordgrouping or phrase, e.g. how long ago the user last used a phrase.

In an embodiment, the first recognition candidate 242 is the highestranked recognition candidate 238 identified by the recognition engine.As such, the recognition engine identifies prediction candidates 244based on the first recognition candidate 242. The prediction candidates244 are each presented following the first recognition candidate 242 toprovide an indication of the recognition candidate 238 based upon whichthey were identified and to provide a selectable combination candidate240. Additionally, in an embodiment, the prediction candidates 244 andthe combination candidates 240 are ranked by the recognition enginebased on one or more of a user's input history, a lexicon or database ofword groupings, phrases, and the like, or a dictionary, among otherreferences.

Thus, a user can select both the first recognition candidate 242 and aprediction candidate 244 with a single selection by selection theappropriate combination candidate 240. The selection of the combinationcandidate may also be more intuitive and faster than other methods inwhich multiple selections are required.

The function keys 236 are selectable regions of the user interface 212that provide access to functions like carriage return, backspacing, anddeleting text, or provide punctuation marks, or toggle the userinterface 212 to provide alternate input methods like a virtualkeyboard, among a variety of other options.

Referring now to FIG. 9, the user interface 212 is depicted in theprediction display state 218. The prediction display state 218 includesfeatures similar to those of the recognition display state 216 which arenot described again here. However, in the prediction display state 218,the candidate window 234 does not include recognition candidates 238 orcombination candidates 240. The candidate window 234 includes onlyprediction candidates 250 that are not presented following an associatedrecognition candidate 238. The prediction candidates 250 comprise textidentified by the recognition engine as being associated with thecommitted text 230 in the edit field 222. The association is based onone or more of a user's input history, a lexicon or database of wordgroupings, phrases, and the like, or a dictionary, among otherreferences. In contrast, the prediction candidates 244 are identifiedbased on the first recognition candidate 242 or the determined text 228.

Referring now to FIG. 6, a method 600 for altering a display state basedon an input type is described in accordance with an embodiment of theinvention. At a step 602, a user interface, such as the user interface212, is presented on a display device with an associated touchinterface. As described above, the user interface may include functionkeys, a candidate window, and a writing panel that has a first area. Apen down event or an initiation of a handwriting input is detected, at astep 604 and the user interface assumes a writing display state. In anembodiment, the pen down event is detected by the touch interface withina region associated with the writing panel. The area of the writingpanel is increased to a second area that is larger than the first area,at a step 606.

By increasing the area or size of the writing panel to the second areathe writing panel is expanded. The expanded writing panel providesadditional space in which a user may provide the handwriting input.Providing such additional space may be beneficial in mobile devices thathave relatively small display regions or touch interfaces that may bedifficult for the user to write in, especially when the user providesthe handwriting input using a finger.

Additionally, the expanded writing panel extends over or is superimposedover one or more of the function keys, and the candidate window, amongother features of the user interface. As such, those features are notvisible on the display and are rendered inaccessible while the writingpanel has the second area. Thus, a user is not able to inadvertentlyinteract with those features while attempting to provide a handwritinginput. For example, a user cannot accidently select a function key whenwriting a letter or word on touch interface in the expanded writingpanel. If the writing panel was not expanded to overlie the functionkeys a user could inadvertently extend a stroke of the handwriting inputoutside of the writing panel and contact a function key thereby,inadvertently causing a function assigned to that key to be performed.

At a step 608, a pen up event or cessation of the handwriting input isdetected. The writing panel is reduced in size back to the first area toagain reveal the function keys, candidate window, and any other hiddenfeatures, and a recognition display state is assumed by the userinterface, at a step 610. In an embodiment, a time out or delay isobserved for a predetermined period of time between the pen up event andassuming the recognition display state.

With reference now to FIG. 10, a method 1000 for presenting predictioncandidates based on recognized handwriting input is described inaccordance with an embodiment of the invention. At a step 1002 ahandwriting input is received at a user interface. In an embodiment, thehandwriting input is received at a mobile device via a touch interface.A recognition engine is executed to identify one or more recognitioncandidates based on the handwriting input, at a step 1004. Therecognition engine employs any available algorithms and data stores toidentify and rank a number of recognition candidates that correlate tothe handwriting input.

At a step 1006, a number of prediction candidates are determined by therecognition engine. In an embodiment, the prediction candidates areidentified by an engine or component separate from the recognitionengine. In another embodiment, the recognition candidates are rankedbased on a correlation value between the handwriting input and therecognition candidate. And the prediction candidates are determinedbased on the highest ranking recognition candidate. The predictioncandidates are determined based on an available lexicon and may utilizea user's input history that includes measures of frequency of use ofinput text and of an amount of time since an input text was last used.

At a step 1008, the recognition candidates and prediction candidates arepresented via the user interface in a recognition display state. Anumber of the recognition candidates are presented first in a listing inorder of their determined rank. A number of prediction candidates arepresented in a ranked order next in the list; each of the predictioncandidates is preceded by the first recognition candidate to indicatetheir association therewith and to provide ease of selection by a user.As such, a user may select a desired prediction candidate along with theassociated recognition candidate with only a single selection input tothe recognition candidate-prediction candidate pair (e.g. a combinationcandidate). In an embodiment, the recognition candidates and predictioncandidates are presented in a candidate window in the user interface.Additionally, in an embodiment, the first recognition candidate ispresented in an edit field as determined text and is underlined orotherwise indicated to comprise determined text.

A selection of a recognition candidate or a combination candidate isreceived at a step 1010. The selected recognition candidate orcombination candidate is then displayed in the edit field as committedtext and a number of second prediction candidates are identified basedon the selection candidate(s), at a step 1012.

The second prediction candidates are presented via the user interface ina prediction display state, at a step 1014. The second predictioncandidates are not displayed with a recognition candidate as a prefix.Also, the second prediction candidates may be identified based on auser's input history, a lexicon of words and phrases, or any otherreference. At a step 1016, a selection of a second prediction candidateis received and the second prediction candidate is appended to the endof a text string in the edit field as committed text. The method 1000then returns to step 1012.

In an embodiment, at the step 1010 a selection of a second recognitioncandidate other than the first recognition candidate is received. Thesecond recognition candidate is displayed in the edit field as committedtext and a number of second prediction candidates are identified basedon the second recognition candidate for presentation by the userinterface in the prediction display state.

Many different arrangements of the various components depicted, as wellas components not shown, are possible without departing from the scopeof the claims below. Embodiments of the technology have been describedwith the intent to be illustrative rather than restrictive. Alternativeembodiments will become apparent to readers of this disclosure after andbecause of reading it. Alternative means of implementing theaforementioned can be completed without departing from the scope of theclaims below. Certain features and subcombinations are of utility andmay be employed without reference to other features and subcombinationsand are contemplated within the scope of the claims.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A mobile device configured to present auser interface for receiving a handwriting input via a touch inputdevice, the mobile device comprising: a processor; a memory; and adisplay component with an associated touch input device, the displaycomponent being configured to present a user interface that includes acandidate window, the candidate window displaying a plurality ofrecognition candidates that are identified by a recognition engineexecuted by the processor and based on a handwriting input received viathe touch interface, the candidate window also displaying a plurality ofprediction candidates, an edit field that displays the first recognitioncandidate as determined text, one or more function keys configured tocause a respective function or command to be executed, and a dynamicinput panel having a first area when the user interface is in arecognition or prediction state and a second area that is larger thanthe first area when the user interface is in a writing state, thedynamic input panel overlying the candidate window and the one or morefunction keys when in the writing state and having the second area. 2.The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the user interface is in thewriting state when a touch input is detected in the dynamic input paneland until detection of one of a cessation in the touch input for apredetermined period of time or an input outside of the dynamic inputpanel, and wherein the user interface is in the recognition orprediction state when not in the writing state.
 3. The mobile device ofclaim 1, wherein when the dynamic input panel has the second area thecandidate window and the one or more function keys are inaccessible. 4.The mobile device of claim 3, wherein the dynamic input panel having thesecond area during the writing state eliminates unwanted selection ofthe one or more function keys and the recognition candidates andprediction candidates in the candidate window during receipt of thehandwriting input.
 5. The mobile device of claim 1, wherein the userinterface is configured for use with Asian script.
 6. One or morecomputer-readable storage media having computer-executable instructionsembodied thereon that, when executed, perform a method for altering adisplay state based on an input type, the method comprising: presenting,by a computing device having a processor, a memory, and a displaycomponent with an associated touch interface, a user interfaceconfigured to aid a user in constructing a text string based on one ormore handwriting inputs, the user interface including a function key anda writing panel having a first area; detecting by the computing devicevia the touch interface, an initiation of a handwriting input in thewriting panel having the first area; increasing the area of the writingpanel to a second area larger than the first area, the writing panelhaving the second area overlying the function key so as to render thefunction key inaccessible; and receiving the handwriting input in thewriting panel having the second area.
 7. The computer-readable storagemedia of claim 6, further comprising: detecting a cessation of thehandwriting input; and decreasing the area of the writing panel from thesecond area to the first area to reveal the function key.
 8. Thecomputer-readable storage media of claim 7, further comprising:observing a time-out of a predetermined amount of time between thedetecting the cessation of the handwriting input and the decreasing thearea from the second area to the first area.
 9. The computer-readablestorage media of claim 8, wherein the timeout is less than one second induration.
 10. The computer-readable storage media of claim 6, whereinthe user interface includes a candidate window that displays one or morerecognition candidates determined by a recognition engine based on thehandwriting input.
 11. The computer-readable storage media of claim 10,wherein the writing panel of the second area overlies the candidatewindow and the writing panel of the first area does not overly thecandidate window.
 12. The computer-readable storage media of claim 6,wherein the computing device is a mobile device.
 13. A user interfacepresented by a computing device having a processor, a memory, and ahandwriting input device, the user interface comprising: a candidatewindow that is configured to present one or more of a recognitioncandidate and a prediction candidate, the recognition candidate beingdetermined by a recognition engine executed by the processor and basedon a received handwriting input, the prediction candidate beingdetermined based on the recognition candidate and one or more of aninput history and a lexicon of phrases; an edit field that displays atext string that includes one or more of the recognition candidate andthe prediction candidate; one or more function keys configured toexecute a respective function when selected; and an input windowassociated with the handwriting input device and configured to toggle ahandwriting input panel for receipt of a handwriting input, the inputwindow having a first area and the handwriting input panel having asecond area larger than the first area, the handwriting input paneloverlying the candidate window and the one or more function keys. 14.The user interface of claim 13, wherein the handwriting input panel,renders the candidate window and the one or more function keysinaccessible.
 15. The user interface of claim 14, wherein thehandwriting input panel eliminates unwanted selections of the one ormore function keys and of the recognition candidate and predictioncandidate presented in the candidate window while receiving thehandwriting input.
 16. The user interface of claim 14, wherein thehandwriting input panel having the second area provides an increasedarea for receipt of the handwriting input than the input window havingthe first area.
 17. The user interface of claim 16, wherein thecomputing device is a mobile device and the handwriting input device isa touch input device that is associated with a display of the mobiledevice.
 18. The user interface of claim 16, wherein the handwritinginput is received at the handwriting input panel via a user's fingertouching the handwriting input device.
 19. The user interface of claim13, wherein the handwriting input panel is toggled for presentation byan input to the input window.
 20. The user interface of claim 19,wherein the input window is toggled for presentation by one of acessation of the handwriting input to the handwriting input panel for apredetermined period of time or an input outside of the handwritinginput panel.